Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-07-07

1
"I amha-t /" ..~:a -Ii~---LL ~
voice trembled q little 81 have seen that
you are not the kind Of boy that needs con-
tinual appro val to stimulate him to do his
duty; and that discovery has gratiiied me as
much as 10 know that you are faithful and
Industrious. My hoy, you know am not
much given TO open praise; but this once,
at least, will speak of you and to you as
| you deserve. i am moro than pleased with
you: am proud Of you. You have done
exceedingly we'll"
His censnre could not have brought the
tears to my eyes as quickly as did these un-
expected words. / tried 10 thank him, but
my voice was choked, and l could only
! look what i felt.
The clock struck six, and we went to-
gether into the rear Office to close the
great safe. For several weeks past he had
daily given me the combination with which
he closed and opened it, explaining that in
| case of accident to him il would be con-
venient, perhaps necessary, for me to have
it. His habit was TO whisper the new COM
bnation to me; / would whisper it over to
him to insure accuracy. and then would
watch the indicator on the safe door while
he was turning the knob. All this was
done on this evening, as usual. When
four hours later 1 went 10 bed, various
Surprise at the discovery OF Walters de-
pravity was mingled with sympathy for his
uncle, but deep satisfaction on account of
the commendaiion i had received was up
permost in my thoughts.
The sleep that mt last came was rudely
broken. glare of light full in my eyes
awakened me. As l sat upright in bed a
pistol was held close to my forehead, and
an unknown voice said
"Silence-not q cry-or you're a dead
boyl"
And then, after an interval just
long enough 10 allow me to comprehend
the whole dreadful meaning of the scene,
Get up and come below, without noise.
You've got to open the safe for us.
The instant that was permitted me to
look showed me two masked men standing
Dy my bed, one holding q dark lantern, the
other the pistol Like flash the purpose
of their visit, and its consequences, were
before me. Quite often the safe contained
considerable amounts of money; not often
as much as ten thousand dollars, which l
knew Mr.. Symington had placed there
about four o'clock of the previous after
noon, having been too late for the bank.
And now it was through me that he was 10
be despoiled of this great sum; was to be
the agent, though the unwilling one, in the
plunder of him whom l loved better than
oil else on earth! My resolution was taken
on the instant. l would seem to comply,
and gain time for escape. Let mo not be
misunderstood; certainly had not cour-
age or GOODNESS beyond the average of boys
of seventeen, and the cold muzZle of the
pistol at my head made me shudder al
over. But my heart was filled with deyo-
ton to my patron; and seeming to feel his
kind hand on my shoulder, think i would
| al hafr fa
men.
Don't hurt me-" said, putting my feet
on the floor. "Tll show YOU"
"Well, now, if you amt sensible young
; feller," said the man with the pistol. "Fol-
low the chap with the light.
The stairs were in the corner near the
head of the bed, and few PAGES broug
us to them. 1 did not know whether th,
| man behind me was still holding the pisto
TO my head; hoped that my words and
manner had thrown him off his guard. As
the man in front held up his lantern tC
| show MS the way l strnck i from his hand
with sudden blow. IL rolled down the
stairway, and we we're in darkness. DAFT
> ing past the ruffian behind me. my night
dress brushing him, gained the lumber
room, my knowledge of its exact location
> enabling me to lay my hand quickly
upon the latch. 1 heard q curse ant
, the snnp of the pistol; the cartridge m sseC
fire. With frantic haste i slammed
[ the door between me and tho burglars, ant
I shot the bolt. Then ] sank to the floor
s weak and trembling. But l knew that
D was safe; / cculd Chamber over tie old fur.
niture, pc; y The front windows, break on
/. the glfss III they could not be raised, anC
/ sound an alarm that would bring help long
|, before the robbers coald break dowI
!. the door-even il they dared 10 risk tbs
: noise. Al this doubtless occurred 10 them
$ for they did not make the trial. With my
d ear 10 the floor heard their muttered talk
g with now and then an oath from tho mar
2 with the pistol at sounded like the sup
/ pressed growl of a wild beast. Then
G heard their feet on the stairs, and few
: minutes later on the pavement outside.
Y would not yet take the risk OF return
L ing 10 my chamber, for the departure
8 of the men mig bo only STRAIT
d ugem TO dnw me back into thei
: clutches. Wrapping myself up in the oil,
!, carpets, / lay down aud waited, slecpless
4 for daylight. 80 painfully slow ii scemc'
! in comingl but IL camo ut lat. Still,
e would not venture out. i waited anothc
hour; waited, until l heard the continun
|, rattle OF carts and wagons, and the tread o
q early passers. Then went back TO m
It room, put on my clothes. lathed my he vi
which was tbrobbiny with the action o
4" the strain had endured, and went down
IS stairs. Doors and windows werc securel